El Pastor

What they say

“We aim to consistently produce delicious, authentic Mexican food in a fun environment. Ingredients are top priority: Mexican-style cheese from Gringa Dairy in Peckham; pork, chicken, and beef are British, certified free-range; fish is sustainably sourced. All tortillas are made using heirloom corn sourced with partners Tamoa in Mexico. Tamoa seeks out the few farmers preserving and cultivating native Mexican corn, linking them with restaurants in Mexico and beyond, ensuring they are compensated fairly for protecting the country’s biocultural heritage. El Pastor believes strongly that this native corn is on a far superior level in flavour and nutrition and that the resulting tortillas are profoundly different.”

Signature Dishes

Taco al Pastór; sesame tuna tostada; and short rib.

What we say

Like all projects by the brothers Sam, James and Eddie Hart, El Pastor simply screams “authenticity”. They know Mexican food like nobody outside Mexico and the colour and fun they bring to this big space under the railway arches makes it seem a portal to another world. The tacos are light, powerful, and gleaming with flavour, and the range of mescals and tequilas on offer is mind-boggling. El Pastor was close to the scene of a terror attack in 2017 and the way staff protected their beloved customers that night and then bounced back afterwards is testimony to just what a special place this is.